Press Release

Patterson Receives Prestigious Presidential Award On Behalf of Automation Alley

Pontiac, MI, May 21, 2008 Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and Deputy County Executive Ken Rogers attended a White House ceremony on Tuesday during which President George W. Bush presented a Presidential E Award to Automation Alley for Excellence in Exporting.

The E Award, which was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to recognize the achievements of individuals and organizations in promoting and increasing American exports, is the highest honor the federal government can bestow in this particular area.

I am truly delighted and honored to receive this extraordinary award from President Bush on behalf of Automation Alley, said Patterson who founded Automation Alley in 1998. This recognition at the highest levels of the U.S. government is further proof that Automation Alley has achieved status as one of Americas premiere technology corridors.

Since 2004, Automation Alley has lead trade missions to assist small and mid-sized companies in Oakland County and the region to expand or initiate their reach into fertile markets around the globe including Canada, China, Central Europe, India and Mexico.  These international forays have generated more than $130 million in new business and economic development for companies in southeast Michigan.

Automation Alley is helping to keep America competitive in the global marketplace, said Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez, who also attended the White House ceremony.

Automation Alley membership has grown over the past ten years from 42 companies to 900 companies encompassing eight counties in southeast Michigan and the City of Detroit.

Todays recognition from President Bush confirms our commitment to assisting southeast Michigan companies compete in the global marketplace, said Ken Rogers who also serves as executive director of Automation Alley. We are the first non-profit trade association in Michigan to ever receive the E Award.

For media inquiries only, please contact Bob Dustman, Media and Communications Officer, at (248) 858-1048.
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